Posted by jerrympls on April 18, 2006, at 3:21:35
In reply to Benzo-phobia + docs -- why, why, why?, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 17, 2006, at 15:11:02
Doctors who are benzo-phobic come from the school of thought where EVERYONE's an addict - no matter what. And if they put you on something that is even remotely addicting, they don't want to have to deal with getting you OFF of it IF you become addicted.
Doctors can rant and rage about how terrible benzos are all day long - but one simple fact remains: there isn't any other currnet class of medications for use and management of acute anxiety and/or panic symptoms that are as safe and effective as the benzos.
I'm not saying that they work great for everyone and I also respect those who have had terrible addiction & withdrawl due to benzos. But for a doctor in psychiatric medicine to completely ignore a major, major tool helpful in a varitiey of mental illnesses, anxiety disorders, etc is like a carpenter refusing to use a hammer becuase he just might miss the nail and hurt his thumb!
I love it when benzo-phobic docs use the analogy that benzos are "alcohol in a pill!" HAHHAH! the clinical pharmcology of alcohol couldn't be further from the clinical pharmacology of benzos.
I had one doc go on and on for 15 minutes telling my why he would NEVER EVER prescribe me a benzo because they are horrible medications and addictive and I'd become and addict, etc, etc., only to write me out a prescription for a generous amount of amphetamines. True story.
Not everyone is an addict. Not everyone abuses benzos. Not everyone develops rapid tolerance to benzos. Many people ONLY respond to benzos. They aren't evil.
Doctor's can be lazy and stupid and selfish.
My 2 cents.
Jerry
poster:jerrympls
thread:634181
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060417/msgs/634380.html